NFL-Smith agrees to stay with 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers re-signed
quarterback Alex Smith to a three-year contract on Wednesday
after the National Football League (NFL) team was spurned by
Peyton Manning.

The 49ers were believed to be one of three teams in serious
contention for Manning's services but when he agreed to a deal
with the Denver Broncos on Tuesday, San Francisco moved quickly
to solidify their quarterbacking position by extending's Smith
contract.

"I'm glad this is finally done. For me this was the plan all
along," Smith said on a conference call.

"I guess I never really felt like a free agent. This was the
plan to come back here. It's done now and I'm happy about it."

The often-maligned Smith enjoyed a breakout campaign last
season leading the 49ers to a 13-3 record, the NFC West division
crown and a trip to the NFC Championship game where they lost to
the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

The first overall pick in the 2005 draft, Smith started all
16 regular season games and two playoff contests last season,
setting multiple career passing marks, completing 273 of 445
passes for a career-high 3,144 yards with 17 touchdowns and only
five interceptions.

Despite his performance, the 49ers were in hot pursuit of
Manning, leaving Smith to audition for several teams, including
the Miami Dolphins.

But with Manning off the market the 49ers signed Smith to a
three-year deal worth $8 million a season according to local
media reports.

Smith said he was told from the outset about the 49ers
pursuit of Manning and insisted there were no hard feelings
although he admitted to being a bit surprised by the team's
interest.

"Obviously it was a little unexpected but it is part of the
deal, this free agency and this is the NFL and those things
happen," said Smith. "Not offended at all.

"This is my job. I feel like I've earned it. I feel like
I've earned the right to compete for it."

Smith returns to a team that has added some significant
offensive weapons in the form of veteran receivers Mario
Manningham and Randy Moss during the protracted negotiations
with their quarterback.

"He's Randy Moss, he's got a skill set that is totally unique
to himself," gushed Smith.

"He's a special player, we've all seen what he has been able
to do over the years and I look forward to throwing the ball to
him."